Hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument

ABSTRACT

A hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument having a laterally extending tubular valve slide is constructed of rigid sheet material and includes a body portion, a sleevelike portion extending from the body portion and mountable around a section of the slide for supporting the attachment, and a hand rest portion on the body portion constructed and arranged for supporting the heel of a player&#39;&#39;s hand for one-hand instrument playing.

United States Patent 1191 Miller l l HAND SUPPORT ATTACHMENT FOR A- TRUMPET OR LIKE INSTRUMENT l [76] Inventor: 'John HerbertMiller, c/o P. Barrick,

575 Bridge St., Watsonville, Calif.

221 Filed: Jan. 11, 1974 211 Appl. 110.; 432,478

[52] US. Cl. 84/387, 84/453 [51] Int. Cl. Gl0d 7/10 [58] Field of Search.....' 84/387, 453, 465

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 853,074 5/1907 Evans et al. 84/387 2765695 l0/1956 Brennan..... .1 84/387 UX 1451 Nov. 12, 1974 3.l4l.369 7/1964 Miccio 84/453 X Primary Examiner-Stephen .l. Tomsky Assistant Examiner-John F. Gonzales Attorney, Agent, or FirmNorman H. Gerlach [57] ABSTRACT I A hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument having a laterally extending tubular valve slide is constructed of rigid sheet material and includes a body portion, a sleeve-like portion extending from the body portion and mountable around a section of the slide for supporting the attachment, and a hand rest portion on the body portion constructed and arranged for supporting the heel of a players hand for one-hand instrument playing.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 3, PATENIEDHUHZIBV m 2 847 051 HAND SUPPORT ATTACHMENT FOR A TRUMPET OR LIKE INSTRUMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument. More particularly, the invention relates to an attachment which enables a player to play a trumpet, cornet, or similar horn with the use of but one hand.

. A musician playing an instrument such as a trumpet frequently desires to play with his right hand alone, for

example, when leading an orchestra with his left hand. Y

When the instrument is played with the right hand only, there is a marked tendency for the palm of the hand to drop to such an extent that the players fingers do not approach the buttons on the upper ends of the valve keys at the proper angles. Also, additional strain is imposed on the hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION one-hand instrument playing. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted either around one tube section or around both tube sections of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections. In further preferred embodiments, the body portion is constructed and arranged to bear against the bend section of such a U-shaped valve slide having the horizontal tube sections joined by a bend section. The invention additionally provides the combination of a trumpet having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, and an attachment of the foregoing construction mounted on the slide thereof.

The new hand support attachment is easily and rapidly mounted on or attached to a trumpet or like instrument, where it provides firm support for the players hand. The player then may play the instrument with his right hand alone, while the hand is properly supported so that the fingers approach the buttons on the valve keys at desirable angles. The player is enabled to secure a firm grip on the instrument with a minimum of strain on the hand.

The attachment is very simple in its construction and application, and is readily manufactured economically in quantity. The several embodiments of the invention, having slight modifications among them, provide attachments for instruments of the various types of construction which are supplied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The attached drawings illustrate preferred embodi: ments of the invention, without limitationthereto. In the drawings, like elements are identified by like reference symbols in each of the views, and: I

FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of a combination of a conventional trumpet and an attachment mounted thereon, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged fragmentary perspective views of the structure illustrated in FIG. 1, taken from opposite ends or sides of the attachment, and illustrating in broken lines the position of a players hand when playing the instrument with one hand;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3; and

FIGS. 57 are perspective views of, respectively, three attachments constituting additional embodiments of the invention, illustrating in broken lines portions of valve slides on which the attachments may be mounted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED I EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, a conventional trumpet is illustrated with a hand support attachment 12 mounted thereon according to the invention. The isolated attachment 12 is illustrated in FIG. 4. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the manner in which the trumpet is held by the right hand 14 of the player, while the heel 16 of the hand is supported by or rests on the attachment 12. As subsequently indicated, the position of the heel 16 of the hand may vary somewhat depending upon the particular embodiment of attachment which is employed, with substantially the same results as respects the manner in which the trumpet 10 is held.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the structure of the trumpet 10 with which the invention is more particularly concerned includes a conventional cylindrical metal tube l8, twice curved and having a mouthpiece 20 and a bell section 22 on the respective opposite ends of the tube. The trumpet 10 includes a mouthpiece tube section 24 and a series of interconnected valves aligned therewith and connected into the tube 18, the

valves being identified as a first valve 26, a second or middle valve 28, and a third valve 30. The valves 26, 28 and 30 include respective vertically extending, tubular barrels or cylinders 27, 29 and 31. The valves 26, 28, and 30 are provided with respective first, second, and third keys 32, 34 and 36, whichv reciprocate in the barrels 27, 29 and 31. The keys are surmounted by respective first, second, and third finger buttons 38, and 42.

The valves 26, 28 and 30 are provided with respective tuning slides, 44, 46, and 48 connected thereto. Each of the tuning slides is a U-shaped unit which includes a pair of upper and lower horizontal tube sections joined by a vertical bend section. The preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize the second valve tuning slide 46, which extends laterally from the instrument 10 and includes an upper horizontal tubular section 50, a lower horizontal tubular section 52, and a vertical reverse bend or C section 54. In the illustrative trumpet 10, the second valve tuning slide 46 extends obliquely, at an obtuse angle with respect to the instrument, particularly the tube 18 thereof, or points away from the player. In other applications of the invention, such as a second valve tuning slide may, alternatively, extend substantially perpendicularly to the tube 18, or at an acute angle thereto, also referred to as pointing toward the player.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, additional structure on the trumpet 10 which is involved in one-hand playing of the instrument includes a conventional mouthpiece tube finger ring 56, and a pair of conventional finger nibs 58 on'opposite sides of the bend section 54 of the second valve tuning slide 46. Similar conventional finger rings 60 and 62 are provided on the respective first and third transparent or translucent. An attachment of this type which is constructed of relatively soft or non-abrasive material is preferred, for preserving the finish of the parts of the trumpet 10. However, the attachment 12 may, alternatively, be constructed of other materials, such as metal which, if desired, may be padded, coated, or otherwise treated to obviate or reduce any tendency to mar the trumpet structure.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4, the attachment 12 includes a generally flat body portion 64 having an inner end or side 66 and an outer end or side68. A sleeve-like portion 70 is integral with the inner end 66 of the body portion, and extends longitudinally outwardly therefrom. The sleeve-like portion 70 includes a pair of cliporjaw-like elements 72 or 74 of generally arcuate configuration and spaced apart at their free ends. A hand rest portion 76 is integralwith the outer end 68 of the'body portion, and, in the attachment 12, includes a generally flat, triangular intermediate portion 78 and a generally flat, rectangular terminal portion 80. The intermediate portion 78 forms rounded junctions with the outer end 68 and with the terminal portion 80, and is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to each of them. The intermediate portion 78 extends upwardly and inwardly,and the terminal portion 80 extends upwardly and inwardly, at different angles.

Thesleeve-like portion 70 is constructed and arranged to be mounted around a section of the laterallyextending second valve slide 46 for supporting the attachment 12 on the slide. 'As seen on reference to FIGS. l-3, theclip-like elements 72 and 74 are arranged to be slid onto the lower tube section 52 of the second valve slide, whereupon the clip-like elements embrace the tube section 52.'Alternatively, if desired, the clip-likeelements 72 and 74 may be arranged so that they may be snapped over the lower'tube section 52. The hand rest portion 76 of the attachment 12 is constructed and arranged for supporting the heel 16 of the'players hand, with the body-portion 64 being constructed and arranged to bear against the bend section 54 of the second valve slide 46.

- The manner in which the attachment 12 functions to facilitate one-hand playing of theinstrument is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, where the attachment 12 is shown as mounted'on the trumpetl0, and the right hand 14 is shown as it supports the instrument properly for playing with the one hand. The sleeve-like portion 70 is mounted on the lower tube section 52, and the body portion 64 bears on the bend section 54. The heel 16 of the hand, and in this case, particularly the outer or little finger side thereof, bears upon the intermediate portion 78, especially, of the hand rest portion 76. In

' this case, the fleshy portion 82 of the heel, at the base rest portion 76 is constructed sothat it will, alterna tively, accommodate other hand sizes and player prefment on the outside orleft side of the barrel 27 of the first valve 26, and also engages the underside of the mouthpiece tube section 24. The little finger engages the mouthpiece tube finger ring 46.

In the foregoing manner, the' trumpet 10 is firmly supported by the right hand 14 and without undue strain. The players hand 14 then is in proper position to operate the valve keys 32, 34 and 36, with the middle three fingers approaching the finger buttons 38, 40 and 42 generally horizontally, with appropriate flexing of the fingers. A type of three-point support of the instrument is provided, with the instrument held in a relaxed manner, thus keeping the playing fingers loose and free of strain, in order to achieve their best per formance.

The attachment 12 is advantageous in that it is easily mounted for use, and just as easily removed when it is not needed. In use, there is no interference with the operation of the instrument, and it does not detract from the appearance of or that the instrument in any way. The attachment-is constructed and mounted in such a manner that it "may be small and lightweight while re: maining in position on the valve slide 46 and not being subject to substantial deformation of injury. At the sam'etime, the attachment may be constructed to yield resiliently to hand pressure for comfortable use.

A second attachment 84 as illustratedin FIG. 5 is adapted to be mounted around the upper tube section 50 of the secondvalve slide 46; This upper-mounted attachment 84 includes a' generally flat body portion 86, a sleeve-like portion SSintegraI-with an inner end or side of thebody portion, and a generally flat hand rest portion 92 integral with an outer end or side 94 of the body portion. The sleeve-like portion 88, similarly to'the sleeve-like portion 70 of the lower-mounted attachment 12, includes a pair of clipor jaw-like elements 96 and 98 having spaced apart ends which enable the sleeve-like portion88 to be mounted on the upper tube section 50, by sliding thereon.- If desired,

the elements 96 and 98 may be suitably arranged to snap or clip over the tube section 50. e i

The hand rest portion 92 is integrally joined to the body portion 86 at an obtuse angle thereto, the junction being a rounded bend at the outer end 94 of the body portion. When the second attachment 84 is mounted on the upper tube section 50, the body portion 86 bears against the bend section 54 of the second valve slide 46. The hand rest portion extends generally upwardly and inwardly as mounted on the instrument 10, and it is otherwise constructed-and arranged for supporting the heel of a player's hand for one-hand in strument playing. Generally speaking, the inner portion of the heel 16 of the hand restsupon the hand rest portion, with the heel portion 82 below the base'of the thumb lying otherwise unsupported to the left of the hand rest portion 92. v r

A third attachment 100 adapted to be mounted around both tube sections 50 and 52 of the second valve slide 46-is illustrated in FIG. 6 This attachment, generally similar to the foregoing attachments, includes a body portion 102 which is generally flat and joined by rounded portions to a sleeve-like portion 104 and a generally flat hand rest portion 106 at opposite ends or sides thereof. The sleeve-like portion 104 includes a pair of spaced, curved clipor jaw-like elements 108 and 110, which are constructed and arranged for mounting on the slide 46 by slipping them over the tube sections 50 and 52. Alternatively, the clip-like elements 108 and 110 may be constructed and spaced for snapping them over the tube sections.

The third attachment 100 also includes a relatively small flange 112 which, when the attachment is manipulated in mounting it on' the slide 46, extends slightly around the bend section 54 adjacent to the lower finger nib 58 on the outside thereof, the nib thereby being embraced or bracketed by the lower clip-like element 110 and the flange 112 to provide additional mounting stability. However, the flange 112 may be dispensed with if desired.

As mounted on the second valve slide 46, the body portion 102 of the third attachment 100 bears against the slide bend 54. The hand rest portion 106 extends upwardly and inwardly from the body portion 102, to which it is integrally joined by a wide obtuse angle bend. Employing the third attachment 100, the heel 16 of the right hand rests at about its center on the hand rest portion 106 when the instrument It) is played with one hand.

As noted above, the invention is applicable also to instruments such as the trumpet having second valve tuning slides, such as the slide 46, which extend laterally at other angles from the instrument, i.e., at any angle from an acute angle to an obtuse angle with the tube 18. A fourth attachment 114 illustrated in FIG. 7 is mountable on a second U-shaped valve tuning slide 46 having respective upper and lower horizontal tube sections 50' and 52' joined together by a generally vertical bend section 54, the slide 46' forming an acute angle with the trumpet tube 18, i.e., pointing toward the player. The fourth attachment 114 broadly is similar to a mirror image of the third attachment 100.

The fourth attachment 114 includes a generally flat body portion 116 having an integral sleeve-like portion 118 at one end thereof and an integral generally flat hand rest portion 120 adjacent the opposite end thereof. Similarly to the third attachment 100, the fourth attachment 114 includes clipor jaw-like elements 121 and 122, and a flange 124. The flange 124 and the lower clip-like element 122 are spaced apart and together embrace the lower finger nib 58. The sleeve-like portion 118 is slid on or clipped on both upper and lower tube sections 50 and 52'. The handrest portion 120 extends upwardly and inwardly for resting the heel 16 of the hand thereon, and the body portion 116 bears against the slide bend section 54.

Similarly, hand-support attachments resembling the first and second attachments 12 and 84 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, but generally mirror images thereof, with any appropriate modifications, may be provided for use with a trumpet having a second valve tuning slide 46 at an acute angle to the tube 18, pointing toward the player. In the case of a second valve tuning slide such as 46 which extends perpendicularly outwardly from the trumpet tube 18 attachments similar to any of the illustrative structures may be employed, with appropriate modification of the angular relationships and spacings, for supporting the heel of a players hand for one-hand instrument playing.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, said attachment being constructed of rigid sheet material and comprising:

a body portion,

a sleeve-like portion extending from said body portion, said sleeve-like portion being constructed and arranged to be mounted around a section of said slide for-supporting the attachment thereon, and

a hand rest portion on said body portion, said hand rest portion being constructed and arranged for supporting the heel of a players hand for one-hand instrument playing.

2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted around the upper tube section of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections.

3. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted around the lower tube section of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections.

4. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted around both tube sections of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections.

5. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion includes a pair of clip-like elements which enable the sleeve-like portion to be slid onto said slide section.

6. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted on a U- shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections joined by a bend section, and said body portion is constructed and arranged to bear against the bend section.

7. A hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, said attachment being constructed in one piece of rigid sheet material and comprising:

a body portion having respective inner and outer ends,

a sleeve-like portion on said inner end of the body portion, said sleeve-like portion including a pair of clip-like elements which enable the sleeve-like portion to be slid onto a section of said slide for suparound both tube sections of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections joined by a bend section, and said body portion is adapted to bear against the bend section.

9. The combination of a trumpet having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, and an attachment as claimed in claim I mounted on said slide thereof.

porting the attachment thereon with said body por- 10. The combination of a trumpet having a mouthgle, said slide having upper and lower horizontal tube piece tube section, three valves in alignment along the Sections joined by a n Section, and an attachment tube section, and a U-shaped tubular valve slide extending laterally from the second valve at an angle with the tube section of from an acute angle to an obtuse anclaimed in claim S'mounted on said slide thereof. 

1. A hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, said attachment being constructed of rigid sheet material and comprising: a body portion, a sleeve-like portion extending from said body portion, said sleeve-like portion being constructed and arranged to be mounted around a section of said slide for supporting the attachment thereon, and a hand rest portion on said body portion, said hand rest portion being constructed and arranged for supporting the heel of a player''s hand for one-hand instrument playing.
 2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted around the upper tube section of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections.
 3. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted around the lower tube section of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections.
 4. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted around both tube sections of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections.
 5. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion includes a pair of clip-like elements which enable the sleeve-like portion to be slid onto said slide section.
 6. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sleeve-like portion is adapted to be mounted on a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections joined by a bend section, and said body portion is constructed and arranged to bear against the bend section.
 7. A hand support attachment for a trumpet or like instrument having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, said attachment being constructed in one piece of rigid sheet material and comprising: a body portion having respective inner and ouTer ends, a sleeve-like portion on said inner end of the body portion, said sleeve-like portion including a pair of clip-like elements which enable the sleeve-like portion to be slid onto a section of said slide for supporting the attachment thereon with said body portion extending outwardly from the slide, and a hand rest portion on said outer end of the body portion, said hand rest portion being constructed and arranged for supporting the heel of a player''s hand for one-hand instrument playing, said body portion being constructed and arranged to bear against said slide.
 8. An attachment as claimed in claim 7 wherein said sleeve-like portion either is adapted to be mounted around one tube section or is adapted to be mounted around both tube sections of a U-shaped valve slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections joined by a bend section, and said body portion is adapted to bear against the bend section.
 9. The combination of a trumpet having a laterally extending tubular valve slide, and an attachment as claimed in claim 1 mounted on said slide thereof.
 10. The combination of a trumpet having a mouthpiece tube section, three valves in alignment along the tube section, and a U-shaped tubular valve slide extending laterally from the second valve at an angle with the tube section of from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, said slide having upper and lower horizontal tube sections joined by a bend section, and an attachment as claimed in claim 8 mounted on said slide thereof. 